The Ransomware threat is getting bigger and bigger on a daily basis and every now and then a newer and more advanced version of this malicious virus is getting released. This time, the name of the latest threat is [email protected], which similarly to earlier Ransomware programs can encrypt all your files. In this article we will attempt to provide our readers with all the essential information that they should know with regards to Ransomware viruses. Apart from that, our article also contains some invaluable tips on how one can effectively protect their computer from malicious software such as [email protected] Last but not least, below our readers can find a Ransomware removal guide that will help those of you who have already had their system infected by the nasty virus and are currently seeking for a way to handle the situation. The guide includes instructions for removing the virus itself and also a few steps that might be able to restore the affected files.

A typical Ransomware infection

A Ransomware program is very different from most other types of viruses. Unlike other malicious pieces of coding, [email protected] does not target and attempt to damage your actual system, it does not spy on you or attempt to steal your money from any online bank accounts you might have. The main target of Ransomware viruses is your files and documents. Once the virus breaches your machine’s defenses, it stays hidden for a certain period of time during which it copies your data and afterwards deletes the original files. The copies are identical except for one crucial difference – they are locked by the virus. Each copy is encrypted and the only way that you can access them is if you have a specific code. Here is where the ransom part comes into play.

Once [email protected] has finished copying and deleting your documents and all your files have been made into encrypted copies ending with a .wallet extension, it displays a message on your screen. This message states that if you are to regain access to your own files, you’d need to make a money transfer to the hacker who’s in charge of the virus. Detailed instructions on how to make that transfer are provided within the message. Often the ransom payment is done with the help of the Tor browser and the currency used is bitcoins. If you do not know what bitcoins are, it’s are a type of a cyber-currency that is nearly impossible to be traced. This means that once you buy a certain amount of them and transfer them to the blackmailer, there’s little to no chance that you’d ever be able to track down the criminal and get your money back. This is, in fact, one of the main reasons why Ransomware viruses are so popular – the hackers who are using them rarely get caught and brought to justice.

Why making the transfer is not a good idea

Unfortunately, if you are one of the unlucky users, who have already had their files locked by the malicious [email protected], there are not many options to choose from. That is why, some of you might even consider simply paying the ransom and just so that they could get this nasty situation over with. However, do not forget that this is a criminal you’re dealing with – a criminal that does not fear getting caught and being brought to justice. That is why nothing can guarantee you that even if you follow the instructions and make the transfer you’d actually get the code for your files. Thus, we strongly advise against paying the ransom. Instead, as we earlier mentioned, you can scroll down and give our guide a try. There’s no guarantee that it will solve everything due to the ever-evolving nature of Ransomware viruses, but it is still a much better alternative compared to paying the ransom.

Final words of advice

Dealing with Ransomware is important, but it is just as important to make sure that you never have to face this threat again. Therefore, take note of the following simple, but crucial tips.

Back up all your important data on a separate, portable device with no connection to the internet (flash memory, portable hard drive, etc.) – this can outright nullify the impact of a potential Ransomware infection.

Have high-quality anti-virus software and be careful when surfing the internet – the two most common methods for Ransomware distribution are via spam e-mails and shady sites and with the help of another virus, like for example a Trojan. That is why it is essential to have reliable security software and to be careful with the sites you visit and download content from. Also, do not open any suspicious emails from unknown senders.

Pay close attention to your PC’s behavior. If you notice anything odd like unusually high CPU and RAM consumption or less free space than you should usually have, you might want to shut your PC down and have it examined by a specialist, because the aforementioned are typical symptoms of Ransomware that’s currently encrypting your files. Also, if you suspect a Ransomware infection, do not attach any devices to your PC, since the files on them might also get encrypted.

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